GallantFew's mission is to connect new veterans with hometown veteran mentors, thereby facilitating a peaceful, successful transition from military service to a civilian life filled with hope and purpose.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Gina Elise - Pin Ups for Vets

This week I interviewed Ms. Gina Elise, founder and star of Pin Ups for Vets. Gina is a phenomenal young woman who in true Ranger spirit saw a situation that needed fixing and decided to do something about it.

In 2006, hearing about funding shortfalls in Veterans and Military Hospitals across the country Gina took it upon herself to raise money to help meet that need. With her UCLA education and friends in the arts community she thought a fun way to raise money would be to sell wall calendars, with photos recreating the 1940's style pin up models. Her story is truly remarkable, no less so than when you consider the effect it has on a young wounded soldier when she shows up, in period garb, with her calendar - which she personally autographs and delivers. She told us about a TBI patient, non-responsive for a month who responded to her when she appeared at his bedside.

Her efforts result in more than just moral support - she has raised more than $50,000, and an example of use of the funds is a donation she made of $15,000 for rehab software and for an environmental control unit (ECU) that enables spinal patients to control their environment and obtain more independence as well as freeing up nurses for other tasks.

Calendars cost $10. Buy one and donate one to a wounded soldier. Gina will deliver it personally.

Run Ranger Run 2015

Subscribe to this Blog

Twitter Updates

The New American Veteran

A veteran leaving the military today faces tremendous obstacles, but also possesses amazing skills. GallantFew specializes in connecting veterans that are successful in civilian life with new veterans leaving active duty. This mentoring relationship builds their social network, aids professional development and provides emotional support.

A non-veteran just doesn't get how to communicate and work with a veteran like another veteran does. If you are interested in being a mentor, stop by www.gallantfew.org and sign up!